One of the most intriguing, cool, green hotels to come along in a while is going to open in Bogota, Colombia on May 15. The Biohotel Organic Suites is the creation of Samuel Huertas, an accountant and entrepreneur who told me his new seven-story, 72-room property is “my retirement plan.” With his family, Huertas actually owns 46 percent of the property with other “Bio Investors” owning the remainder. The Biohotel Organic Suites is the first hotel project for Huertas and is the result of five years of planning. The name alone certainly creates a certain level of expectations, doesn’t it?
Aiming for LEED Gold certification, the hotel is quite impressive from a sustainability standpoint. I encourage you to visit the hotel’s website to see some of the images of the exterior and interior. Vertical gardens run up and down the exterior of the hotel. The windows are made from recycled glass. Sustainability was considered in the selection of all of the materials used within the building—from flooring to furniture to the HVAC system. A sun-tracking mirror system reflects light toward interior spaces, helping to reduce lighting-related electricity costs. LEDs are used throughout.
Solar panels will generate about 10 percent of the hotel’s electricity and a solar thermal system will elevate the temperature of incoming water by about 20 degrees to reduce energy costs. A rainwater collection system will reduce water costs and provide water for irrigation. A 120-square-meter garden inside the hotel will generate two tons of vegetables every three months. The garden area shares space with the Gin Bar where herbs and plants grown on-site will be utilized in drink concoctions. Local suppliers will provide organic meats and organic wine also will be sold. A food waste decomposition machine will convert food waste into reusable water. Wait staff will wear uniforms made from organic cotton.
Interestingly, Huertas is not only opening a green hotel but also launching a venture called the Sustainable Hotels Group. Huertas will be targeting properties in Chile, Peru and Colombia that meet specific membership criteria. Members can earn either a Bronze, Silver or Gold leaf level and benefit from reservation, technical, marketing and accounting support. Having 75 hotels within the Group by August is the goal.
In chatting with Huertas, what impressed me most is his not giving up on his dream, and his tenacity in pursuing the materials and systems necessary to create the greenest project possible. His hotel and Green Piece restaurant are sure to become popular destinations for locals, Americans and Europeans in search of a high-quality, eco-friendly dining and lodging experience.
Our industry could use a few more visionaries like Samuel Huertas.
Green Lodging News Adds Green Blaster Products as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Green Blaster Products as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Green Blaster Products is the maker of Bed Bug Magic. Bed Bug Magic is an effective bed bug insecticide. All natural, non-toxic and green, it’s formulated to quickly kill bed bugs, dust mites and common hotel insect pests. Applied by hotel staff it helps reduce costly exterminator visits. Environmentally-sound and 100 percent biodegradable—it kills without risk to guests, people, pets or plants. The companion Bug Boy Magic Insect Spray is a broad spectrum product that kills quickly but is more appealing on a housekeeping cart with no label reference to bed bugs. Green Blaster Products also has other product available, including bed bug and insect monitors, green cleaners for various applications, green lubricants, and non-toxic stain removers. Call (203) 422-6100, e-mail milbank1c@aol.com, or go to www.greenblasterproducts.com for more information.
Earth Day Activities
Earth Day this year is Tuesday, April 22. What are you planning for your guests and staff this year? I would love to know. Events will be highlighted here in the coming weeks. Send your Earth Hour and Earth Day plans to me at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. I can also be reached at (813) 510-3868.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2014?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2014. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2014 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Green Lodging News Tops 2,000 Social Media Followers
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
